GoLocal HS Soccer Coaches Poll: Who’s No. 1 in Central MA?

North had held the top spot in our previous two polls, but the Polar Bears were knocked off by Marlborough 2-0 Saturday.

Speaking of Marlborough, the Panthers also defeated our polls previous No. 2 Algonquin Regional over the course of the last 10 days. So, was Marlborough's recent run of success enough to push them to the top of our poll? Here is what the high school soccer coaches of Central Mass had to say.

Algonquin responded to their only loss well, reeling off three consecutive wins over Wachusett, Shrewsbury and Nipmuc. The Tomahawks will face a difficult league game as they travel to Nashoba to face a Chieftain team that has also not lossed in league play (4-0-1).

The winner will be one up on the other in the loss column and, perhaps more importantly, carry the tie-breaker advantage going into their season-ending rematch at Algonquin on the 25th.

Player to Watch: Marcello Cunha, junior, Marlborough

Cunha scored the decisive goal in each of Marlborough's big wins over Algonquin an North this past week and a half. His goal with just three minutes left in the game against Algonquin handed the Tomahawks their first defeat of the season, and propelled the Panthers into the top-2 of our poll.

Look for Cunha to play a big role in Marlborough's tricky road trip to Westborough today.